ALERT FOR THE DAY!!! 
In late July, officials reportedly made a gruesome discovery: Rotting in the Hallsboro yard of Jonathan Ward, 20, were the remains of one of his three dogs, according to news sources. Apparently, two other emaciated animals were rushed to receive medical care. It is believed that Ward had abandoned the dogs up to three weeks earlier without any food or water.
Ward was charged with cruelty to animals and, thanks to the efforts of Assistant District Attorney Onica Fuller, convicted on October 25.
For his crimes, Ward faced six months in prison. But Judge Nancy Phillips apparently saw fit to spare Ward any jail time. She suspended a 45-day jail sentence and placed Ward on unsupervised probation for two years. Worse, it appears that Her Honor didnt take a single step to restrict Ward from owning or harboring animals in the future (a common sentencing provision in cruelty-to-animals cases), despite his blatant disregard for the suffering of animals.
Please urge Judge Phillips to take crimes against animals seriously in the future. Remind Her Honor that limp-wristed swings of the gavel wont do much to protect the community that depends on her for its safety.
The Honorable Nancy Phillips, District Court Judge
Columbus County District Court
110-A Courthouse Sq.
Whiteville, NC 28472
910-641-3077 (fax)